I have an old bathtub that is very ugly. I donít want to go through the expense of replacement. Are there other alternatives?

- Feeling ugly in Anaheim

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Dear Feeling Ugly:

Removing a bathtub can be quite an undertaking; it is understandable to look for alternatives. There are basically two ways to go. The first method is to re-sleeve or insert a new acrylic tub liner. The acrylic liners are very durable and should last at least 10 years. The cost is less than half of a tub replacement or in a price range of $450-$800. This is a good long-term solution. The second method is a spray-on 2 part Polyurethane finish. Most contractors will guarantee their work for 5 years. Quality and cost seem to go hand-in-hand for this work. The low cost applications in our opinion are very short term & satisfaction is poor. In the higher cost work we have found superior quality material and much better adhesion to the tub. If cost is your sole criteria, low end refinishing cannot be beat. We find the higher end finish will hold up better to tenant abuse. Cost range can be from $180-$300 depending on quality. If you decide on the spray application, we highly recommend that you remove the shower handles, spout and shower head/arm. The tub should cure for at least three days before use. Removing the shower hardware will help insure the non-use of the tub & longer product life. A new spray material not widely in use, is an Acrylic Urethane resin which has a drying time of four hours and a curing time of 24 hours, cutting down time dramatically. Ask your contractor about it.
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